Javier Tebas has slammed the decision to cancel plans to host the match between Villarreal and Barcelona in Miami, branding it “narrow-minded” while accusing governing bodies and Real Madrid of sabotaging La Liga’s global ambitions. The league president insists Spanish football has “lost a historic opportunity” as backlash over the proposed fixture continues to divide opinion.
La Liga’s Miami dream scrapped again
La Liga’s long-standing ambition to stage a regular-season match in the United States has once again collapsed. The proposal to host the clash between Villarreal and Barcelona, scheduled for December 20, at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, was officially cancelled after event organisers Relevent withdrew due to “uncertainty in Spain”. This marks the second time La Liga’s overseas match plans have been blocked after similar attempts in 2018.
The decision came just days after players across all fixtures staged 15-second silent protests at kick-off, refusing to move as a gesture against the lack of consultation by the league. Broadcasters avoided showing these moments, heightening outrage among players and supporters. In response, La Liga and Relevent confirmed the match would no longer take place, citing insufficient preparation time and escalating political tensions. Barcelona later issued a statement saying they “respect and accept” the cancellation, though they called it a missed commercial opportunity.
AdvertisementAFPTebas fires back at critics and takes aim at Madrid
La Liga president Tebas responded strongly on X, calling the decision “a defeat for Spanish football’s future” while accusing unnamed institutions and clubs widely interpreted as UEFA and Real Madrid of obstructing progress.
“Today, Spanish football has lost an opportunity to advance, project itself globally, and strengthen its future," he said.
“The defence of ‘tradition’ is invoked from a narrow-minded and provincial perspective, while the true traditions of European football are threatened by decisions by the governing institutions, which year after year destroy national leagues, the true driving force of the European football industry, amid the naivety and passivity of European leaders who fail to distinguish the inconsequential from the essential.
“The ‘integrity of the competition’ is invoked by those who have been questioning that same integrity for years, pressuring referees and leaders, constructing distorted narratives, or using political and media pressure as a sporting tool.
“I want to thank Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona for their commitment and generosity in being part of a project that only sought the growth of our competition. They weren’t thinking about themselves, they were thinking about everyone.
“LaLiga will continue working, with rigour and conviction, to keep Spanish football competitive, standing up to those who seek to destroy it, but always respecting its roots and ensuring its sustainability.
“Spanish football deserves to look to the future with ambition, not fear. We will keep trying. This time, we came very close.”
Protests, backlash and Madrid tension
The fallout has only intensified the divide between La Liga, players, and clubs. Real Madrid filed two complaints to Spain’s sports ministry, arguing the move would distort competitive balance especially during a tight title race. Dani Carvajal called the idea “a clear distortion of the competition”, while Barca boss Hansi Flick admitted his squad “were not happy”.
Players across all La Liga games stood motionless for the first 15 seconds in protest of the league’s decision, led by the AFE players’ union. Thibaut Courtois condemned the Miami plan, saying it would “totally affect the competition”. Frenkie de Jong echoed the concerns, calling it “not good for the players”.
Meanwhile, Serie A has moved in the opposite direction officially confirming AC Milan vs Como will be played in Perth, Australia, in February. The contrast has reignited the debate over whether taking domestic football abroad is innovation or exploitation. La Liga insists it is crucial to compete financially with the Premier League and Champions League, while opponents argue it damages tradition and fan loyalty.
AFPWhat next for La Liga?
Despite the collapse of the Miami project, Tebas insists La Liga will “keep trying”. Barcelona and Villarreal will now play the match at Estadio de la Ceramica on December 21. The cancellation has also fuelled renewed scrutiny of La Liga’s leadership, refereeing pressure accusations, and Tebas’ ongoing feud with Los Blancos and the Blaugrana club.
Villarreal manager Marcelino Garcia Toral criticised the timing of the announcement, calling it “a lack of respect” after it was made public at half-time during their Champions League defeat to Manchester City. The club is expected to release a full statement.
Whether La Liga will make another attempt to export a competitive fixture abroad remains unclear. For now, the focus returns to domestic football, but the political, commercial, and ethical debate around “taking La Liga global” is far from over.